New York, NY - April 9 - Moto Guzzi USA, the North American branch of the Piaggio Group’s iconic Moto Guzzi motorcycle brand, known for its high quality craftsmanship, iconic design, rich heritage and originality, today announced the all-new 2014 California 1400 models will arrive to U.S. dealerships the week of April 15th. The storied Italian brand and model line gained prominence in the American market via its exclusive contract with the LAPD and California Highway Patrol, over 40 years ago. Available in two versions, Custom and Touring, the new California 1400 was unveiled in southern California by Stefano Sterpone, Piaggio Group Executive Vice President, head of EMEA and Americas markets and Miguel Martinez, Piaggio Group Americas President & CEO. Throughout the two-day launch experience, Moto Guzzi dealers, invited guests, enthusiasts and tastemakers were able to experience the new models firsthand via an exclusive launch party or private ride throughout the winding canyons of Malibu.

Assembled by hand at Moto Guzzi’s factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy, where its motorcycles have been built since 1921, the all-new 2014 California 1400 represents a turning point in Moto Guzzi history: combining the latest, most advanced technology with the style, craftsmanship, comfort and performance the brand is known for.

Recognized by all, loved by many and revered by long distance riders during its four-decade career, the Moto Guzzi California has patrolled American freeways, escorted esteemed monarchs and presidents and has been parked in the garages of cinema divas and rock stars alike, including actor Ewan McGregor, passionate Guzzi owner and face of the new California 1400 “My Bike, My Pride” global advertising campaign which launched April 5. The relationship between McGregor and Moto Guzzi began in 2007 when McGregor attended GMG (Moto Guzzi World Days) in Mandello del Lario, Italy, on his white vintage California.

HistoryIn 1970, Moto Guzzi won the first motorcycle fleet contract in America ever awarded to a foreign manufacturer and developed the California model for the LAPD and the California Highway Patrol, propelling the Italian brand to success in the U.S. market. The Moto Guzzi California designed for the LAPD was decidedly different from the base model V7 sold in dealerships and featured an oversized saddle, bullhorn handlebars, platform footrests and an abundance of chrome protection. Since then, seven generations and four engine capacities (750cc, 850cc, 1000cc, 1100cc) have alternated in more than 100,000 units manufactured.

The Details Make the MotorcycleThe new California 1400 redefines the concept of the luxury bike, polarizing it into two opposite personalities, and is distinguished by the craftsmanship with which each component is assembled. “Details make the motorcycle,” said Miguel Galluzzi, Head of Piaggio Group’s Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, Calif.

Surprising in the smallest details and in its components, the new California 1400 breaks the mold for motorcycle design and conveys unmistakable brand heritage and tradition from the silk-screened Moto Guzzi logo on the brushed aluminum valve covers of the new 1,400cc V-Twin engine to the spectacular dual LED taillight assembly.

The lines of the California 1400 are instinctive and the flow is natural. Beginning with the poly-ellipsoid headlight with daytime running light illumination (DRL) and moving rearward to the fuel tank smartly showcasing the iconic 90° V-Twin engine, the lines finish with the horizontal flow of the chrome exhaust pipes and rear mudguard, molded over the impressive 200mm rear tire.

State-of-the-Art TechnologyThe 2014 California 1400 is the most technologically-advanced cruiser on the market today and includes these innovative elements:

· The largest twin cylinder engine ever made in Europe - A 1,380cc 90° V-Twin engine able to produce an explosive 88.5 foot pounds of torque at just 2,750 rpm;• Traction Control - The first custom in the world equipped with the three-level MGCT traction control;· Tri-Map Ride-by-Wire technology - The first custom in the world equipped with ride-by-wire technology. The rider can change the character of the bike directly from the handlebar. Three different power output curves: Turismo (Touring), Veloce (Sport) and Pioggia (Rain).· Electronic Cruise Control - With the push of a button on the right hand grip, the rider can set the pace and enjoy mile upon mile of open road;· LED Daytime Running Lights - The first custom in the world with a headlight assembly like the system used on late model cars;· The Elastic Engine - An elastic support system fitting the powertrain to the frame. Through a series of rubber dampeners and rockers the engine vibrations are filtered out leaving the rider with a smooth and comfortable ride.

Moto Guzzi California 1400 TouringThe touring version is the California in its purest form, created for discerning long distance riders. Luxuriously equipped with a leather two-tone saddle, a “Patrol” windshield, chrome fog lights, 35-liter panniers and chrome crash protection allow for comfort, aerodynamic protection and cargo capacity unrivaled in its class.

Moto Guzzi California 1400 CustomThe California 1400 Custom doesn’t spoil the rider with accessories and shiny chrome, but it wins their heart hard and fast: two wheels, an engine, saddle and handlebars. The minimalist design further enhances the presence of technological content which is simply not found on any other competitor.

Pricing and AvailabilityThe MSRP of the 2014 California 1400 Custom ABS is $14,990. Available colors are Basalt Black or Mercury Gray. The MSRP of the 2014 California 1400 Touring ABS is $17,990. Available colors are Ambassador Black or Eldorado White. Both models are available at U.S. Moto Guzzi dealerships starting April 15.

About Moto Guzzi:Founded in 1921, Moto Guzzi continues to produce bikes from its original location on the shores of Lake Como in the village of Mandello del Lario, Italy.

About The Piaggio Group: Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera in Pisa, Italy, the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With more than 8,500 employees, an annual production of 615,500 vehicles in 2012, five R&D centers, six production facilities in Europe and Asia and world-wide commercial operations, the Piaggio Group has a strong and increasing leadership in the European two-wheeler market. The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,400cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Gilera, Derbi and Scarabeo brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.